Children feel safer in the car when mum is driving, a new study has revealed.

Six out of ten kids aged five to 16 claim they are happier and more relaxed when their mum is behind the wheel.

Youngsters say their dads drive too fast, are more aggressive and lose their temper quickly when in the driving seat.

They also think mums are less likely to suffer from road rage, don’t dodge in and out of traffic and are more considerate to other motorists.

The GEM Motoring Assist poll of 1,279 children revealed mum’s driving is best – despite the fact she is more likely to stall the car or find it hard to park.

David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM, a breakdown cover and road safety organisation, said: ”The research shows that while mum might not be the most skilled driver, she is certainly the most calm.

”Unfortunately many children seem to dread getting in the car with dad because his mood is unpredictable and they never know when he is going to get an attack of road rage.

”Dads seem more intent on getting from A to B as quickly as possible, whereas mums will take things slower and spend her time singing or chatting to the kids rather than getting annoyed with other drivers.

”It is important to make your kids feel safe in the car and more importantly it is vital your children ARE safe in the car.

”Not sticking to the rules and driving too fast puts your kids in a dangerous situation and could result in as serious accident.”

The study also found kids don’t like dad being impatient when driving and 83 per cent said he often drives too fast.

Children also said more than half of dads shout at other drivers and 35 per cent said they felt nervous when dad lost his temper.

By contrast, 70 per cent of children said mum sings while driving and 52 per cent said she talks non-stop.

Two thirds of kids said dad was more likely to weave in and out of the traffic and change lanes at speed to avoid getting stuck in a jam.

Despite having a good reputation with the kids, and being the calmer driver on the roads, mums still get in a pickle with basic manoeuvres required for everyday driving.

Seven in 10 youngsters said mum was more likely to stall the car when pulling away from a junction or performing a hill start.

And 64 per cent claimed mum was incapable of reverse parking.

David Williams added: ”Unfortunately, the survey shows a third of children are embarrassed to be driving round by their parents – regardless of whether it is mum or dad.

”But mum still gets the thumbs up as the person they would prefer to drive them to school, or to friend’s houses.

”This research should send a clear message out to dads, to be more careful and considerate when driving – not just towards other motorists but to their children as well.

”It is important that children do not see their parents driving aggressively as this could have a long term affect on what they see as ‘the norm’.

”There is a general belief that kids exposed to poor driving could mean that they copy this action when they start to drive themselves.”

THINGS KIDS DON’T LIKE ABOUT DAD’S DRIVING
Drives too fast
Shouts at other drivers
Dodges in and out of the traffic
Too aggressive
Has more accidents

THINGS KIDS LIKE ABOUT MUM’S DRIVING
Talks to keep the children entertained
Sings at the wheel
Drives at a reasonable speed
Is considerate towards other motorists
Much calmer

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